Self-care, Self-indulgence, and Narcissistic Self-care

By Jenny Tinmouth

13/02/2021

The Difference Between Self-care, Self-indulgence, and Narcissistic Self-care

In recent years, the concept of self-care has gained immense popularity, becoming a buzzword in the realms of wellness and mental health. While self-care is essential for maintaining overall well-being, it is essential to understand the distinction between genuine self-care, self-indulgence, and narcissistic self-care. Each concept has different motivations and consequences, and knowing the difference can empower us to practice healthier and more balanced forms of self-care.

Self-care

Self-care refers to intentional actions taken to prioritise and engage in activities promoting physical, emotional, and mental health. Genuine self-care is a proactive and holistic approach to maintaining balance and reducing stress, rooted in self-compassion and a deep understanding of one's needs and boundaries.

The foundation of self-care lies in self-awareness. By identifying our stressors, triggers, and emotional needs, we can tailor self-care practices that address these specific aspects of our lives. These practices can cover a wide range of activities, from engaging in regular exercise, creative pursuits, spending time in nature, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious food to nurturing positive relationships and engaging in mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga.

A vital aspect of self-care is recognising one's limits and setting healthy boundaries. It means knowing when to say no to excessive demands or commitments and giving oneself the space to rest and recharge. We must be aware of our intentions and actions to ensure that self-care is a positive and beneficial practice. Self-care is an ongoing process that requires consistency and commitment; when done mindfully and with genuine self-compassion, helps us recharge and build resilience, ultimately benefiting us and those around us.

Self-indulgence

Self-indulgence involves giving in to immediate desires and cravings without considering the long-term consequences. Unlike self-care, which is rooted in nurturing and maintaining well-being, self-indulgence focuses on immediate gratification without considering the potential negative impact on one's health and happiness.

While occasionally treating oneself can be a part of self-care, excessive self-indulgence can lead to disregarding one's well-being and overall health. Engaging in unhealthy habits, such as overeating, overspending, excessive use of alcohol, or constantly seeking distractions, are examples of self-indulgence that can harm physical and emotional health.

Self-indulgence lacks the intentionality and self-awareness that are central to genuine self-care. It may provide temporary relief, but as it does not address underlying issues, it is not a sustainable approach to fostering long-term well-being.

Narcissistic Self-care

Narcissistic self-care is complex and concerns a form of self-care that is rooted in self-centeredness. It takes self-indulgence to an extreme level and is driven by a sense of entitlement and grandiosity, often at the expense of others. They may engage in self-indulgent behaviours to feed their ego and maintain a facade of perfection or superiority.

While those engaging in genuine self-care often experience improved relationships and well-being, individuals practising narcissistic self-care may find themselves isolated and facing conflicts with others. This can be damaging to relationships and create a toxic and self-centred environment.

It is crucial to recognise and address narcissistic tendencies through self-reflection and, if necessary, seek professional support to cultivate healthier patterns of behaviour and self-care.

In Summary

Self-care is a valuable practice that contributes to our overall health and well-being. However, it is essential to distinguish between genuine self-care, self-indulgence, and narcissistic self-care. Genuine self-care involves proactive and holistic practices to maintain balance and reduce stress in our lives. Self-indulgence involves giving in to immediate desires without considering long-term consequences. In contrast, narcissistic self-care is an extreme form of self-indulgence that prioritises oneself at the expense of others. By practising mindful and genuine self-care, we can foster a healthier and more fulfilling life for ourselves and those around us.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Maya Angelou

This article is for information purposes only and should not be treated as a professional opinion or advice. The content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, accurate, or error-free and is not offered as a substitute for professional advice.